Old Testament

Judges 19:28

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, a man is trying to get his concubine to rise and leave after a troubling event.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

"Get up," he said to her. "Let's go." But there was no answer. So he lifted her onto the donkey and set out for home.

KJVKing James Version

And he said unto her, Up, and let us be going. But none answered. Then the man took her up upon an ass, and the man rose up, and gat him unto his place.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a man is trying to get his concubine to rise and leave after a troubling event. His call to her goes unanswered, indicating her state of distress or possibly unconsciousness. He then takes the initiative to lift her onto a donkey, showing his determination to return home despite the circumstances. This moment highlights the gravity of the situation and the emotional weight of their journey. The lack of response from her suggests a deep sense of despair or trauma, reflecting the broader themes of violence and neglect present in the narrative. The man's actions, while practical, also reveal a complex relationship dynamic, where he must take charge in a moment of crisis. This scene sets the stage for the unfolding events that will have significant implications for the characters involved and the community at large. Explore related adversity.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 19:28 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of being attentive to those in distress. In our relationships, we should be sensitive to the needs of others, especially in difficult times. Taking action to support someone who is struggling can make a significant difference in their recovery and well-being.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 19:28 reveal about the man's relationship with his concubine?

Judges 19:28 highlights a complex and troubled relationship dynamic. The man's call to his concubine goes unanswered, indicating her distress or possible unconsciousness. His decision to lift her onto the donkey suggests a sense of responsibility and determination to care for her despite the crisis. This moment underscores the emotional weight of their situation and reflects broader themes of neglect and violence within their relationship.

What is the significance of the concubine's silence in this verse?

The concubine's silence in Judges 19:28 is significant as it suggests deep despair or trauma following a troubling event. Her lack of response indicates a state of distress, which is a critical element in understanding the gravity of the situation. This silence not only emphasizes her vulnerability but also serves as a poignant reflection of the broader themes of violence and neglect present in the narrative.

How can we apply the lessons from Judges 19:28 in our lives?

Judges 19:28 teaches us the importance of being attentive to those in distress. In our own relationships, we should strive to be sensitive to the needs of others, especially during difficult times. Taking proactive steps to support someone who is struggling can significantly impact their recovery and well-being. This verse encourages us to act with compassion and responsibility when we see others in crisis.

What broader themes are present in Judges 19:28?

Judges 19:28 encompasses several broader themes, including crisis, despair, relationship dynamics, violence, and neglect. The verse illustrates the emotional turmoil faced by the characters and highlights the consequences of their actions. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships, especially in times of distress, and the importance of addressing issues of violence and neglect within communities.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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